Health Watch: Heal with a tennis ball

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Mar 31, 2017 at 10:49 AMMar 31, 2017 at 10:49 AM

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TIP OF THE WEEK 5 ways a tennis ball can ease painWhat do poor posture, an overuse injury and a hard workout have in common? All are frequent causes of pain. Luckily, there’s a cheap and accessible remedy that offers quick and lasting relief: a tennis ball. Here are five exercises from Prevention.com that you can easily try out today. — Achy feet? Step on the ball and roll it along your foot and across your arch, using your body weight to apply pressure.— Tight IT band? With two balls under your thigh, slowly bend and straighten your knee.— Sore back? Place two balls under your lower back, shifting your hips so the balls reach where you feel most stiff.— Tense shoulder? With the ball under your shoulder blade, rotate your arm in slow circles. — Cramped hands? Place one hand over a ball on your desk or table, and use your other hand to apply pressure. Roll in circles.

HEALTHY EATINGReorganize your kitchen to encourage healthy eating habits, nutritionist saysMore than half of Americans say they can tell how health a family’s lifestyle is by the contents of their refrigerator, and nearly a third say they’re embarrassed by how disorganized their fridge is, according to a new survey from LG Electronics.

They’re right to associate the state of their refrigerators with the healthfulness of their eating habits, says nutrition expert Keri Glassman.

“A disorganized refrigerator can be a symptom of an absence of mindful eating,” says Glassman.

Organizing the refrigerator can help you eat well, stay hydrated and manage stress, Glassman says. Decluttering the fridge removes less healthy foods and helps you feel calm and in control when opening the refrigerator.

Additionally, transferring packaged foods or bulk foods into clear glass containers can help keep the fridge looking fresh, and keep your foods fresher longer. The clear containers make it easy to see quickly what’s available.

VACATION3 spring break health tipsSpring break: It’s hard to say those words without screaming them excitedly. People of every age look forward to spring break, but while the vacation offers the opportunity for boundless carefree play, don’t forget to protect your health as well. Check out these three tips from TravelandLeisure.com.— Don’t avoid the shade. Yes, you want to work on your tan, but don’t increase your sunburn or cancer risk as well. Apply sunscreen generously and cover up bare skin, or get into the shade after brief tanning sessions.— Avoid the buffet. Spring break fare isn’t always healthy, so don’t be afraid to pack healthy snacks or pick them up when you arrive. Your waistline will thank you later.— Plan some downtime. Your vacation is supposed to be just that — a vacation. Make sure you plan some relaxation periods so you return to the real world well rested.— Brandpoint